Isle of Man R.A.C.E. – (Racing Altogether, Champions of Enduro)

Easter weekend sees the inaugural IOM RACE with World and British enduro champions David Knight, Tom Sagar and Paul Edmondson going head to head over several challenging special tests designed by former British Champion Juan Knight.  The event will be held on April 7th and 8th using the Isle of Man’s toughest, most technical terrain; a place where only the very best can hope to finish.  Home rider and factory KTM star Knight goes in to the event as clear favourite but Honda’s Sagar and Edmondson are hoping to be close behind when the chequered flag falls.

David Knight.  “We were fairly pleased with the results in Chile and Argentina and to maintain that level of competitiveness I need to be riding against the best, fastest riders.  Leo has done some work with the bike this week and it runs real good, I’m confident that even against riders of the quality of Sagar and Ed I’m more than fast enough.  This will be the perfect preparation for next weekend’s BEC at Helmsley.

Tom Sagar.  “I know David’s riding well and he had some good results in South America but I’m happy with my speed and fitness.  I’m not a big fan of the gym but over the winter I’ve been down there and trained hard.  I’ve ridden the bike a lot now, we have a great set up and it’s better than I ever hoped it would be.  I keep reminding myself that the bike won last year’s World Championship and that’s given me a definite confidence boost.  I know that on the right test I can push David and I hope to show that this weekend and also at next week’s Helmsley BEC.

Paul Edmondson.  “A lot of people have got the idea that I’m just out there to make up the numbers but this weekend I’ll be out to prove them wrong.  These boys might be fast but they don’t have my experience to find lines in the technical stuff.  Tom and me have been out riding a lot, I know I’m on the pace and the 250F is definitely an advantage in technical woods going.  I will be close to them and maybe even in front at times; I hope!  There’s definitely life in the old dog yet.

Juan Knight.  “Unlike the Enduro World Championship, where riders first walk and then ride the test untimed, this weekend’s event will be real enduro.  I’ve laid the tests out and they will be unseen by the riders until they leave the start.  Every lap will be timed so this will test not only the rider’s raw speed but also their ability to find lines and cover ground without injury or damage to their bikes.  These skills, often so absent from inexperienced riders, are critical especially in ISDE conditions.  The boys will need more than a pasty after this; it’s not easy.”

Edmondson and Sagar will arrive on the Isle of Man early hours of Saturday and will get a few hours sleep before the action starts at Juan Knight Motorcycles around 11am.